Consultancy market review 2018: Who gains from net gain?

Jamie Carpenter

31 May 2018

The concept of environmental net gain could prove difficult for housebuilders to grasp and the policy must be implemented in a way that ensures local communities benefit, according to consultants at ENDS' latest roundtable discussion. Jamie Carpenter reports

Earlier this year, the concept of environmental net gain was placed at the centre of proposed changes to the planning system. Launching a consultation on revisions to England’s key planning blueprint, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), prime minister Theresa May said the mechanism would mean “all housing development, no matter how large, should aim to enhance biodiversity and the local environment rather than undermine it”. However, attendees at the ENDS environmental consultants roundtable foresee considerable practical challenges with the plan, and warn of a risk that local communities might not see the benefits.